Cowell signs with ITV through 2008

Simon Cowell has signed a new deal keeping him exclusively at ITV in the UK until spring 2008.

The deal mirrors one he recently signed with FOX in the US for American Idol and allows for another two series of The X Factor. Cowell has also developed a number of new formats for the broadcaster and is being tipped to appear in a celebrity version of Pop Idol this summer.

"ITV gave me my first break on television and I'm incredibly grateful," said Cowell. "We've had a fantastic relationship and I'm looking forward to another two successful years."

Cowell is the latest in a string of key names to be signed exclusively by ITV's director of television, Simon Shaps, following the shock defection of Paul O'Grady to Channel 4 last month.

"I'm delighted that we've persuaded Simon to stay at ITV," said Shaps. "He is a brilliant and unique talent and I look forward to continuing to work with him both on and off screen."